Arman Tsarukyan sends Ilia Topuria warning after Josh Hokit clash at UFC press conference

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Things became heated during the UFC Freedom 250 press conference after Josh Hokit aimed comments at Alex Pereira. Ilia Topuria backed Pereira, and the exchange escalated until Hokit was eventually escorted out of the press conference. That gave Arman Tsarukyan, Topuria’s lightweight rival, an opening to mock the champion, as he never misses an opportunity to do so.

Arman Tsarukyan mocks Ilia Topuria after Josh Hokit row Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC Tsarukyan reacted during Nina Drama’s livestream and joked about the idea of ‘El Matador’ getting into a confrontation with someone far bigger such as Hokit, a rising star heavyweight. “Topuria, please, don’t talk to heavyweights,” Tsarukyan said, turning the altercation into another jab in their growing rivalry. He also joked that the Spaniard looked like Pereira’s son due to the size difference, adding another personal layer to the back-and-forth.

The comment fits the tension between them. Tsarukyan has been pushing for his own title chance, while Topuria has repeatedly dismissed his rival’s position. Ilia Topuria recently mocked Arman Tsarukyan’s backup role Their latest exchange follows Topuria mocking Tsarukyan after Dana White confirmed him as the official backup for Topuria vs Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

White said that if anything happens to the main event, the Armenian contender will step in, keeping him close to the title picture. Topuria responded by saying ‘Ahalkalakets’ is “always the backup,” which makes Tsarukyan’s new message feel like a direct reply. Read more: Ilia Topuria heaps praise on Alex Pereira before making clear ‘no way’ statement Fans flee?